Matt Mead on Budget & Economy

Navigated recession while shrinking state government

Looking back at the last few years, we can see our state has navigated some hurdles:

recovering from the recession which marked the end of the last decade;

rebounding from fiscal uncertainties that led to budget reductions of more than 6% last
year.

Clearing these hurdles allows us now to enjoy economic growth, higher revenue than was forecasted, and resilient communities. As a state, we have made remarkable progress. Achievements include:

improved infrastructure;

major broadband
expansion--700% growth in access for students;

a pro-growth economic climate, nurtured by outreach efforts, targeted incentives, and support for communities, public-private partnerships, and local economic development groups; and

more efficient
government through merging agencies, consolidating technology services, and reducing the state workforce and state rules.Regarding the workforce, in 2013 we have almost 300 fewer employees than we did when I took office. We are doing more with less.

Provide funding for major items including wildfires, landfills, local government, the Gillette-Madison water project, UW School of Engineering and employee performance pay.

Source: Press Release on 2013 Wyoming State of the State Speech
, Jan 9, 2013

We need to live within our means

Gov. Mead says the latest forecast from Wyoming's Consensus Revenue Estimating Group shows the state's economy is stable. However, Gov. Mead is concerned because the CREG is forecasting that revenue will flatten out or slightly decrease in the future.

"I believe everyone in the state has to adjust to the fact that the days of big revenue spikes are likely behind us and we need to live within our means," Governor Mead said. "It is fortunate that the energy industry has led
Wyoming out of the recession, but I recognize the national economy is fragile, and because of that, it cannot withstand energy prices going much higher."

"Our revenue is still coming in at rates
below what Wyoming saw in 2008," Governor Mead said. "This certainly shows that there are tough decisions ahead as I put together a budget and work with the Legislature this winter."